Ohio punks Ogikubo Station will embark on their first ever UK headline tour later this month, following the release of their Okinawan Love Songs EP. We caught up with Maura Weaver ahead of the tour to hear her top tips and stories from the road.
Favourite thing about touring:
Travelling is one of my favorite things in the world. Especially when it’s a chance to go to a different country. I love touring in the US and visiting all the different cities, but I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a number of times and the excitement is not as flashy as it was the first few times. Getting to the tour the UK after such a long time is what I’m really looking forward to. And playing music whilst traveling is the cherry on top.
Least favourite thing about touring:
Losing my voice because I can’t stop talking to people. My own fault most of the times, but I keep doing it on every tour! I’m also a sucker for eating unhealthy vegan food on the road, so I’m usually trying these crazy sweet treats, cause guess what? I have a sweet tooth. And it usually makes for me curling up in the fetal position wondering why I ate so much.
Five essentials for the road:
1. A good book. One that will help you on the van ride from city to city.
2. Podcasts. Something again to help you pass the time on your travels.
3. Pillow! You need a good pillow when sleeping on the floor of a stranger’s home.
4. If you can, bring a camping mat to help you from completely destroying your back when sleeping on a stranger’s floor.
5. And finally, echinacea spray. This will keep you healthy on tour.
Your favourite way to pass the time:
I think I listed a lot of them on my five essentials on the road. But when we’re in the van we usually just listen and sing along to music. I’m a sucker for 90’s emo singalongs.
“The Most”
Memorable moment:
Touring with Alkaline Trio last year and getting to play make believe that their massive crowds were there to see us.
Hilarious moment:
Watching Mike Park challenge this kid to a break dancing contest with the prize being a free record. I didn’t know Mike could do all this crazy stuff and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Embarrassing moment:
Once we opened up for AJJ and my acoustic guitar battery was dying and it was making the most insane sounds. Just imagine playing guitar, but every chord you strum sounded like someone was scratching their nails down the chalkboard. To make things worse it was a sold out show, so we didn’t make many new fans.
Outrageous moment:
Mike Park and I did a two week touring opening up for the band Streetlight Manifesto in the US and we just played an acoustic set, so Mike set it up that we flew to every show. Streetlight took our instruments and merchandise and all we had to do was carry a small bag and these crazy eight hour drives turned into leisurely hour hour flights. Mike is a genius at getting good deals and he did the math that it would be cheaper to fly vs driving. That was easily the most outrageous tour experience.
Drunken moment:
Believe it or not I never even tried alcohol until 2017. Just recently I did karaoke at my best friend Megan’s birthday and let’s just say I was not shy!
Rewarding moment:
Finishing our first full length We Can Pretend Like. It’s the album I’m most proud of and I can still go back to it for a listen when I’m feeling down.
Ogikubo Station‘s new EP Okinawan Love Songs is due for release on 14th June via Asian Man Records.
See the band live at one of the following dates:
June
Mon 17th – PORTSMOUTH – Edge Of The Wedge
Tue 18th – EXETER – The Cavern
Wed 19th – SOUTHAMPTON – Joiners
Thu 20th – BRIGHTON – Prince Albert
Sat 22nd – CHELTENHAM – Frog & Fiddle
Sun 23rd – SWANSEA – Crowleys Rock Bar
Mon 24th – BRISTOL – Exchange
Tue 25th – LONDON – New Cross Inn
Wed 26th – LEICESTER – The Soundhouse
Thu 27th – STAFFORD – Redrum
Fri 28th – MANCHESTER – The Castle
Sat 29th – GLASGOW – The 13th Note
Sun 30th – EDINBURGH – The Banshee Labyrinth
